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What Nintendo’s Switch 2 revealed in January was barely seen in the way of the game, except for the new untitled Mario Kart. You’ll have to wait a few more weeks to get a closer look at the Switch 2 company’s software lineup, but there may be useful metrics on what Nintendo’s internal development team has been creating software for next-generation consoles over the past few years.
While awaiting the announcement of more official games at Nintendo Direct in April, let’s see what Nintendo’s 10 internal development teams, what they’re working on, and whether they have a runway to create a game for Switch 2 launch windows. (Nintendo has many similar development teams, so be patient with us as you walk around who they are and what they are working on.)
Nintendo EPD Co-production Group
Who are they: This team (the combination of EPD Group No. 2 and No. 3) works with external studios such as Hal Laboratory, Intelligent Systems and Monolith Software for franchises such as Kirby, Fire Emblem, and Xenoblade. The group also collaborates with the teams behind the various Mario and Pokemon spinoffs.
Latest releases: It’s been a long time since we played the new Kirby game – Kirby’s Dream Buffet It came out in 2022. In other words, Pink Puff is planning a new adventure. The EPD Co-Production Group still has two switch one title on the 2025 plate. Xenoblade Chronicles X Definitive Edition and The Legend of Pokemon: ZA.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: Good, if Hal is waiting for Kirby on his wings.
Nintendo EPD Production Group 3
Who are they: Zelda team.
Latest releases: Production Group 3 has been released The Legend of Zelda: The Kingdom’s Tears 2023 and The Legend of Zelda: Echo of Wisdom In 2024, they’ve been pretty busy lately. The team worked for the longtime Zelda Collaboration Studio Grezzo Echo of wisdombut with external help, it will be a while before you see the next big legendary Zelda game.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: nil. Nintendo usually unveils a new Mainline Zelda game months or years ago.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 4
Who are they: One of Nintendo’s most experimental teams, Production Group No. 4 is behind Swerves like Nintendo’s Labo. Ring Fit Adventureand Game Builder Garage.
Latest releases: The team recently collaborated with partners Nintendo World Championship: NES Edition and alarmmo. Production Group No. 4 is very likely working on the new Switch 2 software, so you wouldn’t be surprised to see the team build something around the console’s new mouse control capabilities.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: expensive.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 5
Who are they: During the Switch lifespan, Group No. 5 has been working on the intersection of Splatoon and animals. Before that, team members worked on a game that highlighted the unique features of Nintendo consoles. Wii Sports and Nintendo Land.
Latest releases: Splatoon 3 It was released in 2022 and received regular updates. It’s been over 3 years since then Animal Crossing: New Horizons‘The last major update, Happy Home Paradise DLC. Over 47 million copies available New horizon Production Group No. 5, which was sold, is almost certainly developing follow-ups.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: Especially if Nintendo wants to start switching 2 off with a bang at a new animal intersection.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 6
Who are they: Another external R&D team, Production Group No. 6, works with developers behind Metroid Prime, Donkey Kong Country, Warioware and Paper Mario series.
Latest releases: The group just delivered Donkey Kong Country returns HD I’m still working on (Forever Entertainment) Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Includes retro studio). Therefore, there is a relatively complete plate. Production Group No. 6 also works in the next level of games. Luigi’s Mansion 3 and Mario Striker: Battle Leagueand they have not released any new games since 2022.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: I’ll do crossgen Metroid Prime 4 count? And then it’s pretty good!
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 7
Who are they: This is the team responsible for developing the 2D Metroid game and the Rhythm Heaven series.
Latest releases: Emio – The Smiling Man: Familycom Detective Club. Beyond that, it is unclear which group No. 7 is working on Switch 2.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: This team has been pretty quiet lately, so it’s possible they’re working on something new. Moot and Tomodachi Life – Exciting and expensive.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 8
Who are they: They make 3D Mario games including 2017 Super Mario OdysseySo they’re kind of a big deal.
Latest releases: Almost 8 years have passed since then Odysseythe latest mainline 3D Mario game. Production Group No. 8 is also working on the 2021 open world. Bowser’s rage Extension to Super Mario 3D Worlda potential indicator that could indicate future 3D Mario games can explore more open world design.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: expensive. Probably in the launch window.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 9
Who are they: This is a recent Mario Kart game, arm For Nintendo Switch.
Latest releases: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Mario Kart Tour.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: Guaranteed Mario Map 9.
Nintendo EPD Production Group No. 10
Who are they: Production Group No. 10 is behind many of Nintendo’s 2D Mario Games and Pikmin series.
Latest releases: The team has released Super Mario Bros Wonder and Pikmin 4 In 2023, there was time to start working on a new Switch 2 game. The team is also in charge of the Super Mario Maker series, a franchise that introduces Switch 2 Joy-Con mouse controls.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: It all depends on the number of Mario games Nintendo wants to release in 2025.
Nintendo EPD-Smart Device Production Group
Who are they: Nintendo’s mobile gaming team.
Latest releases: In addition to support Fire Emblem Hero and Mario Kart TourNintendo’s Smart Device Team was recently released Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp Completedand basically we’ve put together some support for that.
Odds for the new game for Switch 2 launch: The team is working on Nintendo’s smart device software, so it’s probably close to zero.
Nintendo has a variety of subsidiaries and partners that co-develop the game, beyond internal teams. These include 1-Up Studio (3D Mario), Monolith Soft (Xenoblade), Next Level Games (Luigi’s Mansion, Mario Strikers), Nintendo Cube (Mario Party), Nintendo European Research & Development (Nintendo Switch Online), Nintendo Software Technology (Mario Technology), and Retro Studios (Metroid Prime, Donkey Prime). Pokémon Developer Game Freak, Grezzo, Hal Laboratory, and Intelligent Systems may also be working on or supporting Switch 2 software.
Nintendo has the power to create a large library of new games. This could mean a very robust lineup of Switch 2 launch software.
